Kimberly Johnson, who has been with Colorado Public Television-CPT12 (KBDI-Channel 12) since 1989 and interim president-general manager for the last year, today was named president and CEO.

The move represents a shift from Wick Rowland’s longstanding push for truly independent public television, along the lines of Britain’s Channel 4, to a more collaborative and economically sound version as espoused by others within PBS.

“We are working with RMPBS, Colorado Public Radio, KUVO and other PBS outlets… Anytime we can create a better public service by working together we do so. I am a strong proponent of collaoration,” Johnson said. Historically, she said, “the two stations sometimes come together, sometimes collide. I want to have a good production working relationship with all of my media colleagues, let legacy problems and concerns and slings and arrows just stand aside. There is an increased level of cooperation at some very core areas between the two stations (KRMA and KBDI) — especially in technology and production work. There’s been a very clear shift.”

Going forward, Johnson said, will mean going “back to our roots, modifying our distribution platform, focusing more on mobile media.” First up: the first live-stream of “Colorado Inside Out” Friday on the station’s website, including behind scenes material, to “put a personal face on the production.”

Doug Price, head of RMPBS, championed Johnson’s appointment over the interim period. “I’m so pleased,” Price said. “With her at the helm, the collaboration will be so much more intense.”

In naming Johnson, the CPT12 board cited her “extensive experience in operations, production, legal affairs, facilities management and content development,” and noted Johnson has “produced several award winning programs that have been broadcast locally and nationally, and has directed and produced video projects for commercial enterprises.”